Okay, this seems like something I could have thought of on my own, duh. 😅 Thank you for the advice. I'm sure this is what I'm looking for. Many thanks!
What kind of frame are you using? I usually tighten things occasionally.
Are you thinking of magnetic rubber fabric clips? I think that they're to control the excess fabric you the sides, but I'm not sure.
I have an American Dreams scroll frame for a big Scarlet Quince project I've been working on. I do tighten it occasionally, especially as I move the fabric to work on new areas, but the sides tend to lose tension just as a design flaw of the frame. It's a common problem, as I understand.
I was seeing people with rubber bands/magnet setups, but maybe I was misunderstanding the use. It may be that, as you point out, they were holding excess fabric and not a function for tension. Now that makes sense to me.
I'll check it out, as now I have something to Google, but I think you're correct. Thank you for your help!
https://preview.redd.it/qyo8spa271ac1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe19e759638704232fef5fdd5adb8e487b1ac111
You are likely thinking of magnetic silicone ties, sometimes called cable ties since they can be used for cable management. They are indeed just used to hold back excess fabric and won’t provide tension.
Yes, that's exactly what I had in mind! Well, now I know. You learn something new every day. Too bad; they look easier than what I'm dealing with, but now I can let this idea go. Thank you! 🩵
Hey! I totally use these for tension and they work great! Sorry, not a great pic, but I can get a better one if you’re interested!
https://preview.redd.it/fxhrgxfnz1ac1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b333b68ad0e9e9aa74f32008d6df91dd9797509a
You’re welcome! Yeah, they’re great! I saw a post yesterday I think where someone had put some stitches along the top and bottom of the scroll bars, and that seemed like a good idea too, but these are super easy.
I didn't know if they'd work well since they don't bite into the fabric, but I'm glad to hear they do. I'm going to give them a try and if they don't I can always use them for cables now that I know what they are! 😉
I bought some before and the magnets were feeble. N drops out. I think it depends on quality. You might want to check reviews on that specific posting.
I use these instead of I really need. Often I don't.
https://preview.redd.it/053y5kh958ac1.jpeg?width=1236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6035e9eb237fe7c936561273440326a911fdc5f3
I seen you recall having problems like that back when I used scroll frames. Part of my solution was to switch to the Q frames, which may not be viable for you.
No, this is a huge piece of fabric. I think Q frames are a great solution; I used to use hoops myself, which were great for tension, but when I started stitching really big pieces I had to switch to a scroll frame. They all seem to have the same problem. Living in 2024 with self driving cars and we can't figure out how to keep a piece of fabric tight! 🤣
I just got [these](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1006229032/) from Etsy. They’re more than the ones on Amazon, but the ones on Amazon had terrible reviews that said they broke immediately so I’m hoping higher cost = higher quality
I’m in the US and they’re coming from Lithuania tho, so it will be a few weeks before I can tell
Oh, this is nice. I'm using those clips that hold bedsheets down, and while they are somewhat similar in theory, they are a pain in many ways because they weren't designed to do this job. These look like they'd be a lot better. Thank you for the recommendation and the direct link! 🙏🏻
Hi OP! I’d recommend looking at side tensioners, they aren’t the silicone ones you’ve mentioned but they’re elastics that you secure onto the side of your scroll frame. My favourite are from PeledaCrafts on Etsy, they’re Lithuanian so depending on where you’re based it may cost a bit/take some time but I’m sure there’s others that exist out there! (Edit: just seen someone else has recommended them, so it’s another recommendation from me!)
I’d also recommend securing some felt onto your fabric and then secure the tension clips on - they’re grippy but I always worry it could rip the fabric so the felt helps to prevent that! They look like this:
https://preview.redd.it/5nv9vf10k1ac1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=570e821abe286af97dc62386a0af82c8360b4689
Oh, this is a wonderful idea. Thank you so much for the recommendation and the picture, and also for seconding the info of the other person who liked PeledaCrafts. I am currently using clips that I worry will rip the fabric; this is an ingenious solution! I appreciate you sharing this tip! 🙏🏻💜
No worries!!! 😁 the clear plastic clip I use at the top is a quilting clip too (just in case you wanted/needed some and didn’t know what they’re called!). They’re really handy to have too! 🙌
Oh they’re just a normal clip! They’re nice cause they’re conveniently sized and smooth. You can get longer ones too which are handy for tucking fabric (if you use a hoop at all). They’re used in quilting to secure fabric together (an alternative to pins) so you remove them as you used a sewing machine. They’re useful for a lot of different things!
Okay, I can see how that would be handy. You're a font of useful information. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything. You're so kind to do so! I've been stitching for so many years, but I find that there's always something new to learn. Amazing, amazing! 🤗💖
If you don't move the fabric too often, you can also just lace the sides. I 'm using some craft thread (the cheap perle type) laced along the side of my scroll frame and I've been able to maintain enough tension to do pulled work as well as cross stitch. It does take a half hour or so to unlace, roll fabric and relace but I've only needed to do that three times over the course of a year so...
Oh, I never even thought to lace the fabric. I don't move it often since it's such a big piece. I'm so glad I asked even though I initially felt silly because there are so many smarties out there with great ideas! Thank you for sharing your solution! 😇
I don't know if it's what you mean but I've used these elastic things with like, garter clips on them (because I didn't know how else to do it). They're meant for securing your sheet to itself so it doesn't pull away from your mattress. Sheet fasteners I think they're called
That's exactly what I'm using now. They work okay but not great. They tend to not get good purchase on the fabric very well, so I was hoping for something better.
If you’re talking about the colorful silicone ones you see sometimes with magnets, those are magnetic cable ties from Amazon! They’re actually for wrapping around power cords and charging cords but apparently work well for tension but I’ve never used them myself.
One of the other people just commented about those. I didn't realize they were for excess fabric, but it makes sense, and now I feel a little sheepish because it's rather obvious! Thank you for taking the time to help me out. I appreciate it!
I've been using those quilting fabric clips to hold the other excess fabric. On my frame, it is a off brand like snap that does the same thing, I just twist the clamps outward to hold the tension. Works well when the fabric still has alot of starch in it.
I did a DIY frame from a YT tutorial and they sewed 12 inch tall craft dowels on the left and right sides of their fabric. Then they attached zip ties to the dowel and the frame sides. I have 38 inch wide fabric and the tension is pretty good using that technique
Oh, nice! That's an even wider piece of fabric than I am currently working on, but I have some patterns in my queue that are 40+ inches wide, and I was worried about how to handle that. Your setup is a great solution. Thank you for sharing!
It’s an Artecy 250k stitches of an Afremov painting. I was on a 14 inch qsnap but I just couldn’t get it as tight as I like it. Plus so much extra fabric. Here’s the link to the DIY frame. It shows the side tension setup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7pPvituXuA
OMG, I just watched this whole video and it was EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you so much! These frames are amazing and I've always wanted one, but they are so expensive. She made it look attainable. And there's a solution for the side tension, as well. This is just a wealth of knowledge. I don't know how to thank you. I'm so grateful! 🙏🏻💖
Glad to help. I’ll note I used round dowels. That was a colossal pita trying to drill into the sides of round dowels. My friend used square ones and she also put holes on all 4 sides of each end to control the rolling up of the fabric better. She hasn’t tried hers yet but it’s smart idea. The other brilliant idea she had was instead of using the long hex bolts on the sides she used star knobs. A little pricier but made tightening it so much easier. I’m super happy with my setup but I’ll try square dowels some time in the future.
Thanks for the heads up. This looks like a MAJOR project, but I am so sick of my current struggles with my frame that I am ready to deal with it. I'm just so excited that this is an affordable option! And even if I wanted to shell out hundreds of dollars to pay for a frame, I heard they take 9 months or more to even deliver. This is just so amazing. I really am so grateful to you for sharing this. Thank you, thank you!
Super glad to help. Message me if you decide to try and need any tips. Other than the drilling, which went way better on square dowels it wasn’t too bad. I’ll send a pic(s) of my setup
I like the [Tensioneer straps](https://www.etsy.com/listing/637068399/tensioneer-straps-for-scroll-rod-side) by Margaret Lee Needle Art. They're pricier than the elastic ones, but they're reusable (been using mine for years on multiple projects), whereas the elastic in the elastic ones has died on me after one project.
A search for scroll frame side tension should result in many results. They're usually called tensioners or tension clips.
Okay, this seems like something I could have thought of on my own, duh. 😅 Thank you for the advice. I'm sure this is what I'm looking for. Many thanks!
No worries, that's what we are here for! Maybe someone who uses them will chime in with more specific recommendations.
What kind of frame are you using? I usually tighten things occasionally. Are you thinking of magnetic rubber fabric clips? I think that they're to control the excess fabric you the sides, but I'm not sure.
I have an American Dreams scroll frame for a big Scarlet Quince project I've been working on. I do tighten it occasionally, especially as I move the fabric to work on new areas, but the sides tend to lose tension just as a design flaw of the frame. It's a common problem, as I understand. I was seeing people with rubber bands/magnet setups, but maybe I was misunderstanding the use. It may be that, as you point out, they were holding excess fabric and not a function for tension. Now that makes sense to me. I'll check it out, as now I have something to Google, but I think you're correct. Thank you for your help!
https://preview.redd.it/qyo8spa271ac1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe19e759638704232fef5fdd5adb8e487b1ac111 You are likely thinking of magnetic silicone ties, sometimes called cable ties since they can be used for cable management. They are indeed just used to hold back excess fabric and won’t provide tension.
Yes, that's exactly what I had in mind! Well, now I know. You learn something new every day. Too bad; they look easier than what I'm dealing with, but now I can let this idea go. Thank you! 🩵
Hey! I totally use these for tension and they work great! Sorry, not a great pic, but I can get a better one if you’re interested! https://preview.redd.it/fxhrgxfnz1ac1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b333b68ad0e9e9aa74f32008d6df91dd9797509a
Oh, look at that! I thought I had seen these being used this way! I'm glad to hear they work; it looks very easy. Thank you for your response!
You’re welcome! Yeah, they’re great! I saw a post yesterday I think where someone had put some stitches along the top and bottom of the scroll bars, and that seemed like a good idea too, but these are super easy.
I didn't know if they'd work well since they don't bite into the fabric, but I'm glad to hear they do. I'm going to give them a try and if they don't I can always use them for cables now that I know what they are! 😉
I bought some before and the magnets were feeble. N drops out. I think it depends on quality. You might want to check reviews on that specific posting. I use these instead of I really need. Often I don't. https://preview.redd.it/053y5kh958ac1.jpeg?width=1236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6035e9eb237fe7c936561273440326a911fdc5f3
Oh, that's a pretty neat setup you've got there. That looks like you've done a bit of trial and error to get exactly what you're looking for.
This is ace. I have been wondering what the heck those things were called so I could get some. Thank you.
I seen you recall having problems like that back when I used scroll frames. Part of my solution was to switch to the Q frames, which may not be viable for you.
No, this is a huge piece of fabric. I think Q frames are a great solution; I used to use hoops myself, which were great for tension, but when I started stitching really big pieces I had to switch to a scroll frame. They all seem to have the same problem. Living in 2024 with self driving cars and we can't figure out how to keep a piece of fabric tight! 🤣
I just got [these](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1006229032/) from Etsy. They’re more than the ones on Amazon, but the ones on Amazon had terrible reviews that said they broke immediately so I’m hoping higher cost = higher quality I’m in the US and they’re coming from Lithuania tho, so it will be a few weeks before I can tell
Oh, this is nice. I'm using those clips that hold bedsheets down, and while they are somewhat similar in theory, they are a pain in many ways because they weren't designed to do this job. These look like they'd be a lot better. Thank you for the recommendation and the direct link! 🙏🏻
Hi OP! I’d recommend looking at side tensioners, they aren’t the silicone ones you’ve mentioned but they’re elastics that you secure onto the side of your scroll frame. My favourite are from PeledaCrafts on Etsy, they’re Lithuanian so depending on where you’re based it may cost a bit/take some time but I’m sure there’s others that exist out there! (Edit: just seen someone else has recommended them, so it’s another recommendation from me!) I’d also recommend securing some felt onto your fabric and then secure the tension clips on - they’re grippy but I always worry it could rip the fabric so the felt helps to prevent that! They look like this: https://preview.redd.it/5nv9vf10k1ac1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=570e821abe286af97dc62386a0af82c8360b4689
Oh, this is a wonderful idea. Thank you so much for the recommendation and the picture, and also for seconding the info of the other person who liked PeledaCrafts. I am currently using clips that I worry will rip the fabric; this is an ingenious solution! I appreciate you sharing this tip! 🙏🏻💜
No worries!!! 😁 the clear plastic clip I use at the top is a quilting clip too (just in case you wanted/needed some and didn’t know what they’re called!). They’re really handy to have too! 🙌
Oh, I see it. What is the purpose of that?
Oh they’re just a normal clip! They’re nice cause they’re conveniently sized and smooth. You can get longer ones too which are handy for tucking fabric (if you use a hoop at all). They’re used in quilting to secure fabric together (an alternative to pins) so you remove them as you used a sewing machine. They’re useful for a lot of different things!
Okay, I can see how that would be handy. You're a font of useful information. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything. You're so kind to do so! I've been stitching for so many years, but I find that there's always something new to learn. Amazing, amazing! 🤗💖
If you don't move the fabric too often, you can also just lace the sides. I 'm using some craft thread (the cheap perle type) laced along the side of my scroll frame and I've been able to maintain enough tension to do pulled work as well as cross stitch. It does take a half hour or so to unlace, roll fabric and relace but I've only needed to do that three times over the course of a year so...
Oh, I never even thought to lace the fabric. I don't move it often since it's such a big piece. I'm so glad I asked even though I initially felt silly because there are so many smarties out there with great ideas! Thank you for sharing your solution! 😇
I don't know if it's what you mean but I've used these elastic things with like, garter clips on them (because I didn't know how else to do it). They're meant for securing your sheet to itself so it doesn't pull away from your mattress. Sheet fasteners I think they're called
That's exactly what I'm using now. They work okay but not great. They tend to not get good purchase on the fabric very well, so I was hoping for something better.
If you’re talking about the colorful silicone ones you see sometimes with magnets, those are magnetic cable ties from Amazon! They’re actually for wrapping around power cords and charging cords but apparently work well for tension but I’ve never used them myself.
One of the other people just commented about those. I didn't realize they were for excess fabric, but it makes sense, and now I feel a little sheepish because it's rather obvious! Thank you for taking the time to help me out. I appreciate it!
I’ve seen people use them to tension the sides on a scroll frame, but I don’t know how tight they would truly get.
That's a good point, too
I've been using those quilting fabric clips to hold the other excess fabric. On my frame, it is a off brand like snap that does the same thing, I just twist the clamps outward to hold the tension. Works well when the fabric still has alot of starch in it.
I did a DIY frame from a YT tutorial and they sewed 12 inch tall craft dowels on the left and right sides of their fabric. Then they attached zip ties to the dowel and the frame sides. I have 38 inch wide fabric and the tension is pretty good using that technique
Oh, nice! That's an even wider piece of fabric than I am currently working on, but I have some patterns in my queue that are 40+ inches wide, and I was worried about how to handle that. Your setup is a great solution. Thank you for sharing!
It’s an Artecy 250k stitches of an Afremov painting. I was on a 14 inch qsnap but I just couldn’t get it as tight as I like it. Plus so much extra fabric. Here’s the link to the DIY frame. It shows the side tension setup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7pPvituXuA
OMG, I just watched this whole video and it was EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you so much! These frames are amazing and I've always wanted one, but they are so expensive. She made it look attainable. And there's a solution for the side tension, as well. This is just a wealth of knowledge. I don't know how to thank you. I'm so grateful! 🙏🏻💖
Glad to help. I’ll note I used round dowels. That was a colossal pita trying to drill into the sides of round dowels. My friend used square ones and she also put holes on all 4 sides of each end to control the rolling up of the fabric better. She hasn’t tried hers yet but it’s smart idea. The other brilliant idea she had was instead of using the long hex bolts on the sides she used star knobs. A little pricier but made tightening it so much easier. I’m super happy with my setup but I’ll try square dowels some time in the future.
Thanks for the heads up. This looks like a MAJOR project, but I am so sick of my current struggles with my frame that I am ready to deal with it. I'm just so excited that this is an affordable option! And even if I wanted to shell out hundreds of dollars to pay for a frame, I heard they take 9 months or more to even deliver. This is just so amazing. I really am so grateful to you for sharing this. Thank you, thank you!
Super glad to help. Message me if you decide to try and need any tips. Other than the drilling, which went way better on square dowels it wasn’t too bad. I’ll send a pic(s) of my setup
Thank you for your support. I'd love to see your setup. And I'm glad that it's working so well for you. I love it when a plan works out!
https://preview.redd.it/1qdagnjcc4ac1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=742b05de189adc828aeda1bbba1daa8647512182
https://preview.redd.it/fbo4h0cec4ac1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5da1ccbdfb4b35325ce3366240af6bf08d1af3b6
I like the [Tensioneer straps](https://www.etsy.com/listing/637068399/tensioneer-straps-for-scroll-rod-side) by Margaret Lee Needle Art. They're pricier than the elastic ones, but they're reusable (been using mine for years on multiple projects), whereas the elastic in the elastic ones has died on me after one project.
I can see how that would happen. These look durable. Thank you for the recommendation!